Smart power supply

ABSTRACT

A power supply, such as for powering and supplying communication data to devices connected with a low voltage line, is disclosed. For example, a converter device is coupled with an alternating current voltage source. The converter device down-converts an alternating current voltage to a direct current voltage. A switching device is in communication with the converter device. A processor is in communication with the switching device. The processor outputs a signal to the switching device. The switching device generates a square wave signal as a function of the signal from the processor and the direct current voltage. A remote device is controlled by data encoded in the square wave signal.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/026,331 filed on Feb. 5, 2008,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Low voltage systems are used for powering a variety of devices. Suchdevices are placed in driveways, pathways, or grounds of homeowners orother residential or commercial properties. For example, low voltageoutdoor lights or other electrical devices may be placed in a yard.Various low voltage systems include a power supply that provides a lowvoltage signal to power devices coupled to a low voltage line. Coupleddevices are turned on or off when the power supply is turned on or off.For example, outdoor lights are turned on in the evening, but in themorning, the outdoor lights are turned off by shutting down the powersupply.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, a power supply includes a converter device that iscoupled with an alternating current voltage source. The converter devicedown-converts an alternating current voltage to a direct currentvoltage. A switching device is in communication with the converterdevice. A processor is in communication with the switching device. Theprocessor outputs a signal to the switching device. The switching devicegenerates a square wave signal as a function of the signal from theprocessor and the direct current voltage. A remote device is controlledby data encoded in the square wave signal. The encoded data correspondsto different pulse widths of the square wave signal.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the design will be,or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examinationof the following figures and detailed description. It is intended thatall such additional systems, methods, features and advantages beincluded within this description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the design.Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a low voltage system;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of a power supply ofthe low voltage system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a circuit schematic of the power supply of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a circuit of a component of the power supply of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a signal provided by the power supply of the low voltagesystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an alternate signal provided by the power supply of the lowvoltage system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a data sequence corresponding to the signals of FIG. 5 or 6.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating components of a remote device ofthe low voltage system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a circuit schematic of the remote device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating components of a control deviceof the low voltage system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a circuit schematic of the control device of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a signal provided by the control device of the low voltagesystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a data sequence corresponding to the signal of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a power control method;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another power control method; and

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating another power control method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system 100 that may utilize andinclude devices and methods described herein. The system 100 may beimplemented in different ways, such as a security system, a fireprotection and control system, an irrigation system, an HVAC system, anoutdoor lighting system, or other low voltage system, and anycombination thereof. For example, the system 100 is a low voltageoutdoor lighting system that may be used residentially and/orcommercially. The system 100 includes, but is not limited to, a powersupply 104, a power supply line 108, remote devices 112, 116, and 120,and control devices 124, 128, and 132. Fewer, more, or differentcomponents or devices may be provided. The system 100 may be used toilluminate lights and/or control, power, or operate other remotedevices. The lights and/or other remote devices may be placed in agarden area or may illuminate or operate near a driveway or pathway orother surroundings.

The power supply 104 is used to supply power to the remote devices viathe power supply line 108. For example, the power supply 104 is a lowvoltage power supply that electrically connects with a standard walloutlet or other high voltage outlet that provides 90 to 132 alternatingcurrent volts (“VAC”) RMS, such as 110 VAC at 60 Hz. The power supply104 converts the 110 VAC to at most 15 VAC RMS, such as 12 VAC, to powerthe remote devices.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of the power supply104. The power supply includes, but is not limited to, a converterdevice 201, a power supply circuit 205, a switching circuit 209, aprocessor 213, and a detection circuit 217. Fewer, more, or differentcomponents may be provided. For example, the power supply 104 may alsoinclude a housing, switches, electrical connections, a power plug,outputs for one or more power supply lines, such as the power supplyline 108, photocells, and/or timers.

The converter device 201 down-converts a voltage, such as 110 VAC, to alower voltage direct current (“DC”) voltage, such as 12 VDC. Theconverter device 201 includes a transformer, an inverter, a switchingpower supply, or another device for converting a high voltage to a lowervoltage. The power supply circuit 205 is in communication with theconverter device 201. The power supply circuit 205 converts the lowvoltage provided by the converter device 201 to a lower direct currentvoltage to power other components. For example, the power supply circuitconverts the 12 VDC to substantially a 3.3 VDC. The power supply circuit205 includes a linear regulator or another device for converting ordown-converting DC voltage.

The switching circuit 209 is also in communication with the converterdevice 201. The switching circuit 209 uses the low voltage output of theconverter device 201 to generate a square wave or a pulse signal. Forexample, the switching circuit 209 includes two half-bridge circuitsthat are switched on and off to generate a square wave or pulse signal.Alternatively, other switching circuits or transistors may be used. Thetiming of the switching determines the width or size of pulses or acycle of a square wave.

The switching pattern or switching control is provided by the processor213. The processor 213 is in communication with the switching circuit209 and the detection circuit 217. The processor 213 may be incommunication with more or fewer components. The processor 213 is ageneral processor, application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”),digital signal processor, field programmable gate array (“FPGA”),digital circuit, analog circuit, or combinations thereof. The processor213 is one or more processors operable to control and/or communicatewith the various electronics and logic of the power supply 104. Theprocessor 213 sends one or more key sequences, bits, flags, or othersignals to the switching circuit 209, which in response, switches thelow voltage, such as 12 VDC, to generate a desired square wave or pulsesignal that is transmitted on the power supply line 108.

The detection circuit 217 receives or senses data included or injectedin or on the square wave or pulse signal, such as by a remote device,and provides one or more signals to the processor 213 based on detectionof the included data. The processor 213 modifies the square wave orpulse signal based on the signals received from the detection circuit217. For example, the processor 213 changes a switching pattern based ondata received from the detection circuit 217. The processor 213 mayinclude a look-up-table that correlates data to be received with timingor switching patterns. Alternatively, the correlation information may bestored in a memory in communication with the processor 213.

FIG. 3 is a circuit schematic of the power supply 104. Fewer, more, ordifferent components may be provided. A power plug or power source 302that provides about 110 VAC is connected with a switching power supply300. The switching power supply 300 converts the 110 VAC to a voltage304. For example, the voltage 304 is 12 VDC. A linear regulator 308converts the voltage 304 into a lower DC voltage 312. For example, thevoltage 312 is about 3.3 VDC. The linear regulator 308 is biased bycapacitor 316 and capacitor 320. The capacitors 316 and 320 havecapacitances of about 47 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values maybe used. The voltage 312 may be used to provide voltage to other devicesof the power supply 104.

A processor 324 provides signals to a half-bridge circuit 360 and ahalf-bridge circuit 364 via pins 340, 342, 344, and 346. The signalscontrol switching of the half-bridge circuits to generate a square waveor a pulse signal. Pins 341 and 347 are used to sense current flowingthrough the respective half-bridge circuits 360 and 364. The currentsense may be used as a safety or protection feature. The pins 341 and347 are connected with resistors 345 and 349, which have a resistance ofabout 1K Ohms. Alternatively, other resistance values may be used.

The processor 324 is powered by a voltage 328, which is the same as ordifferent than the voltage 312, as well as a capacitor 301. Thecapacitor has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, othercapacitance values may be used. The processor 324 includes a reset pin338 for resetting logic or power of the processor 324 as well as pinsfor communicating with buttons or switches 332 and 336. The switches 332and 336 are used for altering or modifying the square wave or the pulsesignal generated by the output signals of the processor that control theswitching of the half-bridge circuits. For example, the switch 332 or336 is a dimmer switch.

A connector 350 is operable to connect with the processor 324. Theconnector 350 is used to debug or program the processor 324. Forexample, the connector 350 is powered by a voltage 348, which is whichis the same as or different than the voltage 312, and includes six pins.Fewer or more pins may be provided.

A resistor 333 and a light emitting diode (“LED”) 305 are connected inseries coupled with the processor 324, and a resistor 335 and a LED 307are connected in series and coupled with the processor 324. Theresistors 333 and 335 have a value of 1K Ohms. Alternatively, othervalues may be used. The LEDs 305 and/or 307 are used as indicationlights, which indicate whether the power supply is on or off, or mayindicate an error or software and/or hardware problem.

The half-bridge circuit 360 is biased by a resistor 366 and a capacitor369. The resistor 366 has a resistance of about 10K Ohms, and thecapacitor 369 has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, othervalues may be used. The half-bridge circuit 360 provides an output 368and an output 370. The outputs 368 and 370 are provided to theoperational amplifiers 391 and 397, respectively. The output 368 is alsoprovided to a power supply line, such as the power supply line 108.

The half-bridge circuit 364 is biased by a resistor 376 and a capacitor371. The resistor 376 has a resistance of 10K Ohms, and the capacitor371 has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values maybe used. The half-bridge circuit 364 provides an output 372 and anoutput 374. The outputs 372 and 374 are connected with the operationalamplifiers 391 and 397, respectively. The output 372 is also provided tothe power supply line, such as the power supply line 108. A metal oxidevaristor (“MOV”) 378 is coupled between the outputs 368 and 372. The MOV378 is used to protect or suppress over voltages that may develop oroccur on the power supply line.

Signals received by the operational amplifiers 391 and 397 arereferenced by a divider circuit including a resistor 380, a capacitor384, and a resistor 382. The resistors 380 and 382 have a resistance of50 Ohms, and the capacitor 384 has a capacitance value of 47 μF.Alternatively, other values may be used. The reference circuit biasesinput signals to an average voltage so that the signals do not have asimilar voltage to the power supply of the operational amplifiers 391and 397. For example, 12 volts is referenced to 6 volts to avoidsaturation or other electrical complications.

The operational amplifier 391 is biased by a resistor 386, a resistor388, a resistor 389, a resistor 390, and a capacitor 392. The resistors386, 388, 389, and 390 have a resistance of 10K Ohms each, and thecapacitor 392 has a capacitance of 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other valuesmay be used. The operational amplifier 397 is biased by a resistor 393,a resistor 394, a resistor 395, and a resistor 396. The resistors 393,394, 395, and 396 have a resistance of 10K Ohms each. Alternatively,other values may be used.

The operational amplifiers 391 and 397 act as a detection circuit. Forexample, the operational amplifiers 391 and 397 receive the square waveor pulse signal that is transmitted on the power supply line, such asthe power supply line 108. When additional data is included on thesquare wave or pulse signal, such as from a control device, theoperational amplifiers 391 and 397 sense the change of data orinformation based on the differential operation of the operationalamplifiers 391 and 397 and provide signals to the processor 324.

The processor 324 uses pins or ports 398 and 399 to receive the signalsfrom the operational amplifiers 391 and 397. The pins or ports 398 and399 are associated with analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that areused as comparators or detectors within the processor 324. The processor324 determines a control command based on comparing or correlating areceived signal with predetermined data. The processor 324 adjusts ormodifies the output signals outputted from pins 340, 342, 344, and 346to change the switching operation of the half-bridge circuits 360 and364. The modified switching operation generates a modified square waveor pulse signal that is responsive to the additional data received bythe operational amplifiers 391 and 397. Also, diodes 321 and 323, suchas Schottky diodes, are used as protection circuits to limit a voltageinputted to the processor 324. Some or all of the diodes describedherein may be Schottky diodes or other type of diodes.

FIG. 4 is a circuit configuration of a switching device, such as theswitching circuit 209 or the half-bridge circuits 360 and 364. Thecircuit configuration includes a transistor 401, a transistor 409, atransistor 405, and a transistor 411. The transistors 401 and 409 arecoupled in series, and the transistors 405 and 411 are coupled inseries. The pair of the transistors 401 and 409 are in parallel with thepair of the transistors 405 and 411. For example, the transistors 401and 409 correspond to the half-bridge circuit 360, and the transistors405 and 411 correspond to the half-bridge circuit 360. An output 415 iscoupled between the transistors 401 and 409, and an output 419 iscoupled between the transistors 405 and 411. The outputs 415 and 419connect with a power supply line, such as the power supply line 108.

The transistors 401, 409, 405, and 411 are MOSFETs, JFETs, PNP, NPN, orany other type of transistors. The transistors are used as switches inwhich each transistor allows a signal to pass through based on a voltagepresent on its gate or base. The switching signals provided by aprocessor, such as the processor 324 or 213, switch the transistors in asequence so that a low voltage, such as the 12 VDC, is converted into adesired square wave or pulse signal.

FIG. 5 shows a signal 500 provided by a power supply, such as the powersupply 104. The signal 500 is a square wave or a pulse signal at a lowvoltage, such as 12 VAC. For example, the signal 500 is centered about amean or substantially zero voltage and includes positive and negativeswings or pulses. One cycle includes a positive 12 volts and a negative12 volts. Alternatively, the signal 500 may be centered about a positiveor negative voltage, and the maximum positive pulse may be at adifferent voltage than the maximum negative pulse, or vice versa.

The signal 500 can be modified by changing the width or size of a pulseor square wave cycle. For example, a processor, such as the processor324 or 213, may alter signals or the timing of signals provided to aswitching device, such as the switching circuit 209 or the half-bridgecircuits 360 and 364. In this way, square waves or digital pulse signalswith different pulse widths may be generated. For example, a pulse mayhave a width 504, which corresponds to a pulse of 7.5 ms. The pulse mayalso have a width 508, which corresponds to a pulse of 8.0 ms, and awidth 512, which corresponds to a pulse of 8.5 ms. Alternatively,increments other than 0.5 ms may be used for different widths.

The different widths correspond to a digital encoding that is used tocommunicate with devices, such as the remote devices connected with thepower supply line. For example, the pulse width of 7.5 ms may correspondto a start bit, the pulse width of 8.0 ms may correspond to a zero bit,and the pulse width of 8.5 ms may correspond to a one bit. The signal500 is used to power a remote device and control the remote device via asequence of bits. Alternatively, other signals other than a square wavemay be used and encoded in a different manner. For example, frequencyshifting over cycles of a sinusoidal wave may be used to correlate todifferent bits. Or, Manchester coding may be used.

A bit corresponds to half a cycle, a full cycle, or two symmetrical halfcycles. For example, the widths 504, 508, and 512 correspond to a halfcycle, and widths 516, 520, and 524 correspond to a symmetrical halfcycle. The width 516 is the same as the width 504, the width 520 is thesame as the width 508, and the width 524 is the same as the width 512. Abit corresponds to the two symmetrical half cycles. Therefore, forexample, if a bit were to be set to zero, the widths 508 and 520 wouldbe used to represent a zero bit.

FIG. 6 shows an alternate signal 601 provided by a power supply, such asthe power supply 104. The signal 601 is a square wave or a pulse signal,such as at 12 VAC. The signal 601 includes a platform 605 making thesignal 601 a step signal. The platform is about 250 μs. Different pulsewidths are used to indicate different bits, such as the signal 500.Widths 609, 613, and 617 correspond to a top portion of a half cycle,and widths 621, 625, and 629 correspond to a bottom portion of asymmetrical half cycle. The widths 609 and 621 correspond to a bottom ortop portion of a step pulse of 7.5 ms, the widths 613 and 625 correspondto a bottom or top portion of a step pulse of 8.0 ms, and the widths 617and 629 correspond to a bottom or top portion of a step pulse of 8.5 ms.

FIG. 7 shows a data sequence corresponding to the signal 500 or 601. Thedata sequence includes a plurality of packets 700. For example, onepacket 700 includes 19 bits. The packets 700 are between about ⅓ of asecond in duration. The packet 700 includes data bits 708, a start bit704, a change bit 712, and a parity bit 716. Fewer, more, or differentbits may be used. Packets 700 are sent continuously, repeating aboutevery ⅓ of a second.

Sixteen data bits 708 are used to control remote devices. For example, 8data bits 708 correspond to the remote devices 112 and the other 8 databits 708 correspond to the remote device 116. Different bit sequencesfor each group of data bits 708 can be used to control the remotedevices, such as commanding the remote devices to turn on or off. Forexample, a first byte, bit 15 to bit 8, corresponds to a first group ofremote devices, and a second byte, bit 7 to bit 0, corresponds to asecond group of remote devices. Each byte may be assigned an output orintensity level control. For example, 000 equals a full off state, and127 equals a full on state. Intermediate bytes may correspond todifferent output levels, such as brightness levels of a light. Otherbyte assignments may be used for other controls.

The start bit 704 is used as a header or a marker to synchronize downstream remote devices. The change bit 712 is used to indicate that thedata in the current packet is different from the previous packet. Theparity bit 716 is implemented as even or odd parity covering all bits inthe packet 700 except the start bit 704. If there is a packet parityerror in a received packet, the remote device ignores the current packetand uses data from the previous packet. Additionally, as packets arerepeated about every ⅓ of a second, a data error that may pass a paritycheck would clear itself out during the next packet. For example, theerror would persist for about only about ⅓ second and may not continue.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the remote devices 112 and 116 are any devicesthat can be powered by the power supply 104 via the power supply line108. For example, the remote devices 112 are one group of lights, suchas outdoor lights that connect with the power supply line 108, and theremote devices 116 are another group of lights, such as outdoor lights,that connect with the power supply line 108. The lights of either groupinclude a housing for supporting a light source. The housing has alantern or cone shape. Alternatively, the housing may have any othergeometrical shape. Clear or colored glass or plastic may be used toilluminate surroundings in a variety of colors. The lights may also havea stand or support that is buried under the ground or is placed on topof the ground to keep the lights in an upright position. The remotedevices 112 and 116 connect with the power supply line 108 using aconnector. The connector has two pins that penetrate a cover of thepower supply line 108 and electrically connect with internal conductors.Alternatively, other connectors may be used.

The remote device 120 may also be powered by the power supply line 108via a connector. The remote device 120 is a low power strip, fan, radio,light, or other device that is powered by a low voltage, such as 12 VAC.The remote device 120 may be a device that typically operates during theday while lights are turned off. For example, the remote device 120 is aradio that one can listen to during the day while working in his or heryard. Therefore, the power supply 104 is able to power the remote device120 while turning off lights or other remote devices, such as the remotedevices 112 or 116, by using the encoded square wave or pulse signalpreviously mentioned.

Alternatively, additional lines, wires, or cables may be used toseparately supply power and control the remote devices. For example, thepower supply 104 may be able generate an encoded signal, as describedabove, and control remote devices by transmitting the encoded signal onone or more lines that are separate from a power supply line that powersthe remote devices.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating components of a remote device801, such as the remote device 112 and/or 116. For example, the remotedevice 801 is a lighting device that connects with the power supply line108. The remote device 801 includes, but is not limited to, a powersupply circuit 805, a line voltage circuit 809, a zero-crossingdetection circuit 813, a processor 817, a control circuit 821, and alight source 825. Fewer, more, or different components may be provided.For example, the remote device 801 may include a housing or fixturecomponents that may enclose or support the circuitry.

The power supply circuit 805 includes a linear regulator or other devicethat converts or down-converts a voltage. The power supply circuit 805converts the alternating low voltage provided by the power supply line108 to a lower direct current voltage (“VDC”) to power other components.For example, the power supply circuit 805 converts the 12 volts of thesquare wave or pulse signal to substantially a 3.3 VDC. The line voltagecircuit 809 provides a voltage or current to the processor 817 in whichthe voltage or current corresponds to a line voltage of the power supplyline 108 where the remote device 801 is located at. The line voltagecircuit 809 includes passive components, such as resistors, inductors,and/or capacitors. The line voltage circuit 809 may also include activecomponents used to convert a voltage on the power supply line 108 to asuitable voltage or current for the processor 817. Alternatively, theline voltage circuit 809 may connect with the power supply circuit 805.

The zero-crossing detection circuit 813 is in communication with thepower supply line 108. The zero-crossing detection circuit 813 detectsor senses when the 12 volts square wave or pulse signal crosses asubstantially zero or mean voltage. The zero-crossing detection circuit813 provides a signal or lack of a signal to the processor 817 for allor some of the crossings. The zero-crossing detection circuit 813includes diodes, one or more transistors, resistors, and/or a capacitor.

The processor 817 controls the operation of the light source 825 by acontrol circuit 821. The processor 817 is a general processor,application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), digital signalprocessor, field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), digital circuit,analog circuit, or combinations thereof. The processor 817 is one ormore processors operable to control and/or communicate with the variouselectronics and logic of the remote device 801. For example, theprocessor 817 controls the operation of the light source as a functionof data, bits, or commands encoded in the square wave or pulse signal onthe power supply line 108. Because different bits correspond todifferent pulse widths, the processor determines a command by readingbit sequences via the zero-crossing detection circuit 813.

The processor 817 outputs one or more signals to the control circuit 821to control the operation of the light source 825. For example, thecontrol circuit 821 includes a switch that turns on and off in responseto the signal or lack of the signal from the processor 817. The switchmay be one or more TRIACs, transistors, relays, or other electricaldevices that can operate as a switch. The control circuit 821 may alsoinclude drivers or other components to operate a switch. The switchingof the control circuit 821 electrically disconnects and connects thelight source 825 from the power supply line 108. Alternatively, theswitch can connect and disconnect the light source 825 from ground. Forexample, the light source 825 is turned constantly on or constantly off.

Alternatively, the brightness level of the light source 825 can bedimmed or increased. For example, the processor 817 outputs a pulsewidth modulated signal or a phase control signal to intermittentlyswitch the light source 825 on and off via the control circuit 821.Increasing a duty cycle or frequency of the signal outputted from theprocessor 817 increases a brightness level of the light source.Decreasing a duty cycle or frequency of the signal outputted from theprocessor 817 decreases a brightness level of the light source. Becausethe power supply line 108 provides an alternating square wave or pulsesignal to power the light source 825, switching operation of the controlcircuit 821 is synchronized with the rise and fall of the alternatingsquare wave or pulse signal to appropriately switch the light source 825on and off.

The encoded data in the power supply signal may command the processor817 to set and/or maintain a desired brightness level. Also, theprocessor 817 may initially turn of the light source 825 using a softstart. For example, a duty cycle is gradually increased from zero to adesired percentage over a few seconds. This may extend the life of thelight source 825.

The line voltage circuit 809 may be used to set a desired duty cycle orfrequency of the signal outputted by the processor 817. For example, theprocessor 817 includes a look-up-table or other correlation informationthat correlates a voltage received by the line voltage circuit 809 withan estimated or measured voltage on the power supply line 108 where theremote device 801 is connected at. If the processor 817 determines thatthe line voltage is low, the processor 817 may increase the duty cycleor frequency of the output signal to increase a brightness level of thelight source 825.

Because the power signal (the square wave signal or the pulse signal)includes varying pulse widths, a flickering phenomenon may occur whendimming the light source using pulse width modulated or phase controlsignal. To compensate for the varying pulse widths, the processor 817may generate pulses of the pulse width modulated or phase control signalthat are synchronized with the different widths of the power signal.

Because data streams encoded in the power supply signal are highlyrepetitive, each bit width may be predicted. Based on a known bit width(W) of the power supply signal and a desired output intensity (I), anideal bit width (P) of the pulse width modulated or phase control signalmay be calculated (e.g., P=I*W). By adjusting the pulse width modulatedor phase control signal, the synchronized timing of intermittinglyturning the light source on and off substantially reduces flickering.

The light source 825 is one or more light emitting diodes (“LEDs”),incandescent lights, or other device that emits light. For example, thelight source 825 may include a plurality of LEDs or one incandescentlight bulb rated at 50 watts. Other bulb ratings may be used. The lightsource 825 may be a conventional or a custom light bulb or LED. Thelight source 825 emits light through a plastic, glass, air, or othermedium to illuminate surroundings. Different colors can be illuminatedby using a different colored mediums or housings. Alternatively, thelight source 825 may emit different colors as a function of differentapplied currents, voltages, and/or signals.

FIG. 9 is a circuit schematic of the remote device 801. Fewer, more, ordifferent components may be provided. A MOV 900 is connected across thepower supply line 108. The MOV 900 is used to protect from or suppressover voltages that may develop or occur on the power supply line 108.Alternatively, other over voltage suppression devices, such as athyristor or zener diode, may be used.

A diode 918 and capacitors 920 and 922 are used to rectify and provide aDC voltage 924. The voltage 924 is about 12 VDC. The capacitors 920 and922 have a capacitance of about 47 μF. Alternatively, other capacitancevalues may be used. A linear regulator 904 converts the voltage 924 intoa lower DC voltage 926. For example, the voltage 926 is about 3.3 VDC.The linear regulator 904 is biased by capacitor 928. The capacitor 928has a capacitance of about 47 μF. Alternatively, other capacitancevalues may be used. The voltage 926 may be used to provide voltage toother devices of the remote device 801.

The voltage 924 is provided to a line voltage circuit 912, such as theline voltage circuit 809. The line voltage circuit 912 includes aresistor 930, a resistor 932, and a capacitor 934. The line voltagecircuit 912 acts as a voltage divider to provide a voltage to theprocessor 908 that corresponds to a voltage on the power supply line 108where the remote device 108 is connected. The resistors 930 and 932 havea resistance of 3.3 k ohms and 1 k ohms respectively, and the capacitor934 has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values maybe used.

A zero-crossing detection circuit 906 is coupled with the power supplyline 108 via a capacitor 938 and a voltage divider including a resistor936 and a resistor 940. The resistors 936 and 940 have a resistance ofabout 3.3K Ohms and 1K Ohms, respectively, and the capacitor 938 has acapacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values may be used.The voltage divider and capacitor 938 provide a voltage to diodes 942and 944 that switch a transistor 946 on or off based on a zero or meancrossing of the square wave or pulse signal on the power supply line108. The transistor 946 is a photo-transistor, MOSFET, JFET, PNP, NPN,or other transistor.

For example, the diodes 942 and 944 are photo-diodes and/or LEDs that donot emit light when a zero or mean crossing occurs, and the transistor946 is a photo-transistor that releases a signal to supply voltage 948when there is a zero or mean crossing. Therefore, the processor 908recognizes a zero or mean crossing when the supply voltage 948 isapplied from an input to the processor 908. The voltage 948 is connectedwith the zero-crossing circuit 906 and the processor 908 via a pull-upresistor 950. The voltage 948 is the same as the voltage 926. Theresistor 950 has a resistance value of about 1K Ohms. Alternatively,other resistance values may be used. Different pulse widths of thesquare wave or pulse signal correspond to different bits. The processor908 determines a command by reading bit sequences encoded in the squarewave or digital pulse signal, as previously mentioned, based on thezero-crossings.

The processor 908 is similar to the processor 817. The processor 908 ispowered by the voltage 952 and a supply capacitor 954. The voltage 952is the same as the voltage 926 or 924. The capacitor 954 has acapacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values maybe used. The processor 908 is operable to connect with a connector 970.The connector 970 is used to debug or program the processor 970. Forexample, the connector 970 is powered by a voltage 972, which is thesame as or different than the voltage 926, and includes six pins. Feweror more pins may be provided.

A switch 960 and a connector 962 may also couple with the processor 908.The switch 960 is used to manually turn on or off or control the remotedevice 801. The switch 960 may also be used to select a group for theremote device 801 to be apart of. For example, the switch 960 is asingle or multi-pole switch or other switch supported by a housing ofthe remote device 801. A switch position of the switch 960 may commandthe processor to operate the components of the remote device, such asthe control circuit 916 or the light source 825 in a predeterminedmanner. The connector 962 may be used to further send signals to theprocessor for a desired action. For example, the connector 962 is ajumper or other connection to change a mode or other feature of theprocessor 306.

The processor 908 is operable to send one or more control signals to thecontrol circuit 916 via a pin or port 964. Other pins or ports may beused to communicate with the control circuit 916. The control circuit916 is similar to the control circuit 821.

For example, the control circuit 916 includes a transistor 982 and atransistor 986, which are connected with voltages 978 and 988,respectively. The voltages 978 and 988 are at a same voltage as thevoltage 924. The transistors 982 and 986 act as a voltage and/or currentamplifier to provide current or voltage to a TRIAC 994. The transistors982 and 986 are MOSFET, JFET, PNP, NPN, or other transistors. Thetransistors 982 and 986 are biased by resistors 976, 980, and 984. Anoutput of the transistor 986 is connected with the TRIAC 994 via avoltage divider including resistors 990 and 992. The signal from pin964, which may be a pulse modulated signal or phase or frequency controlsignal, is amplified by the transistors 982 and 986 and switches theTRIAC 994 on and off to effectively set or adjust an output orbrightness level of the light source 825.

The TRIAC 994 is biased by a capacitor 996. The resistors 976, 980, 984,and 992 have a resistance value of 10K Ohms each, the resistor 990 has aresistance value of 330 Ohms, and the capacitor 996 has a capacitance of0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values may be used. The switching operationof the control circuit 916 is able to turn the light source 225 on oroff or change a brightness level of the light source 225, as previouslymentioned. Alternatively, a rectifier circuit may be used to reducecomponents in the control circuit 916 or other components, such as adriver circuit, may be used as described in U.S. provisional applicationNo. 61/026,277, filed on Feb. 5, 2008, and also U.S. application Ser.No. ______ filed on even date herewith, both of which are entitled“INTELLIGENT LIGHT FOR CONTROLLING LIGHTING LEVEL,” and are both herebyincorporated by reference.

Also, a heat sink 990 or other device or structure configured todissipate or direct heat away from circuitry may be provided in theremote device 801.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the control or input devices 124, 128, and/or132 (hereinafter referred to as “control devices”) are used to controlor modify the data or bit sequences encoded in the square wave or pulsesignal, which, in turn, controls the operation of remote devices, suchas the remote devices 112 or 116. The control devices 124, 128, and 132connect with the power supply line 108 via a connector that has two pinsthat penetrate the cover of the power supply line 108 and connect withinternal conductors, similar to the connections of the remote devices.Alternatively, other connectors may be used. For example, the controldevices 124, 128, and 132 may wirelessly communicate with the powersupply 104 and/or the power supply line 108 to modify or control thesquare wave or pulse signal.

The control devices 124, 128, and 132 include a housing. The housingshave a rectangular or square shape. A length and width of the housingsare less than about 5 inches, and a height of the housings are less thanabout 2 inches. Alternatively, the housings may have other geometricalshapes and dimensions. The housings support one or more inputs orreceiving devices. For example, the control device 124 includes a dimmerswitch 140, the control device 128 includes a on/off switch 144, and thecontrol device 132 includes a sensor 148. The sensor 148 is a motionsensor, an infrared (“IR”) sensor, a photo sensor, and/or other sensor.Other inputs or receiving devices may be used, such as a voicerecognition circuit, a track ball, hardware or software buttons, orelectrostatic pad.

Activations of the inputs or receiving devices, such as the dimmerswitch 140, the on/off switch 144, and the sensor 148, control or impactthe operation of remote devices. Some control devices correspond tocontrolling one or more or a group of remote devices. One control devicemay be specific to one more remote devices. For example, the controldevice 128 may correspond to the remote devices 116. Switching theswitch 144 to an off state commands the power supply 104 to alter thedata bits of the square wave or pulse signal to correspond to an offcommand allocated for the remote devices 116. Therefore, the remotedevices 116 may be turned off while other remote devices are stilloperating. Similarly, motion or light can be sensed to turn a remotedevice, such as a light, on or off. Also, lights can be dimmed using acontrol device.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating components of a control device1001, such as the control device 124, 128, and/or 132. The controldevice 1001 includes, but is not limited to, a power supply circuit1005, a zero-crossing detection circuit 1009, a processor 1013, areceiving device 1017, and an injection circuit 1021. Fewer, more, ordifferent components may be provided.

The power supply circuit 1005 includes a linear regulator or otherdevice that converts or down-converts a voltage. The power supplycircuit 1005 converts the alternating low voltage provided by the powersupply line 108 to a lower direct current voltage (“VDC”) to power othercomponents. For example, the power supply circuit 1005 converts the 12volts of the square wave or pulse signal to substantially a 3.3 VDC.

The zero-crossing detection circuit 1009 is in communication with thepower supply line 108. The zero-crossing detection circuit 1009 detectsor senses when the 12 volts square wave or pulse signal crosses asubstantially zero or mean voltage. The zero-crossing detection circuit1009 provides a signal or lack of a signal to the processor 1013 for allor some of the crossings. The zero-crossing detection circuit 1013includes diodes, one or more transistors, resistors, and/or a capacitor.

The processor 1013 controls the injection circuit 1021 to modify oralter the square wave or pulse signal on the power supply line 108, suchas the square wave 500 or 601. The processor 1013 is a generalprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), digitalsignal processor, field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), digitalcircuit, analog circuit, or combinations thereof. The processor 1013 isone or more processors operable to control and/or communicate with thevarious electronics and logic of the control device 1001.

The receiving device 1017 is in communication with the processor 1013.The receiving device 1017 is a sensor, such as a photo, IR, and/ormotion sensor, an on/off switch or button, dimmer switch or button, orother device configured to receive an input. The receiving device 1017sends or transmits one or more signals to the processor 1013 when aninput is received. For example, if light or motion is detected by asensor, the sensor will send one or more signals to the processor 1013that is indicative of sensed motion or light. Similarly, if a switch isturned on or off or set at a specific level, like a dimmer switch, oneor more signals are sent to the processor 1013 corresponding to thereceived input. The processor 1013 may include a look-up-table or othercorrelation information to correlate signals corresponding to receivedinput and a desired action.

The processor 1013 outputs one or more signals to the injection circuit1021 as a function of the receiving device 1017 to inject or includedata or control bits in the square wave or pulse signal. For example,the injection circuit 1021 includes one or more switches to generate apulse or signal corresponding to a data bit. The generated pulse isincluded in the square wave or pulse signal on the power supply line108. The zero-crossing detection circuit 1009 is used by the processor1013 to timely control the injection circuit 1021 to include data inallocated areas or parts of the square wave or pulse signal. The powersupply 104 reads or processes the included data or control bits, andmodifies or alters the square wave or pulse signal based on the includeddata. For example, the power supply 104 may reduce one or more pulsewidths of the square wave or pulse signal to communicate a command toone or more remote devices to shut or turn off as a function of an inputreceived by the receiving device 1017.

FIG. 11 is a circuit schematic of the control device 1001. Fewer, more,or different components may be provided. A MOV 1100 is connected acrossthe power supply line 108. The MOV 1100 is used to protect from orsuppress overvoltages that may develop or occur on the power supply line108. Alternatively, other overvoltage suppression devices, such as athyristor or zener diode, may be used.

A diode 1104 and capacitor 1108 are used to rectify and provide a DCvoltage 1110. The voltage 1110 is about 12 VDC. The capacitor 1108 has acapacitance of about 47 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values maybe used. A linear regulator 1112 converts the voltage 1110 into a lowerDC voltage 1116. For example, the voltage 1116 is about 3.3 VDC. Thelinear regulator 1112 is biased by capacitor 1120. The capacitor 1120has a capacitance of about 47 μF. Alternatively, other capacitancevalues may be used. The voltage 1116 may be used to provide voltage toother devices of the control device 1001.

A zero-crossing detection circuit 1134 is coupled with the power supplyline 108 via a capacitor 1130 and a voltage divider including a resistor1122 and a resistor 1124. The resistors 1122 and 1124 have a resistanceof about 3.3K Ohms and 1K Ohms, respectively, and the capacitor 1130 hasa capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values may be used.The voltage divider and capacitor 1130 provide a voltage to diodes 1136and 1138 that switch a transistor 1140 on or off based on a zero or meancrossing of the square wave or pulse signal on the power supply line108. The transistor 1140 is a photo-transistor, MOSFET, JFET, PNP, NPN,or other transistor.

For example, the diodes 1136 and 1138 are photo-diodes and/or LEDs thatdo not emit light when a zero or mean crossing occurs, and thetransistor 1140 is a photo-transistor that releases a signal to supplyvoltage 1146 when there is a zero or mean crossing. Therefore, theprocessor 1150 recognizes a zero or mean crossing when the supplyvoltage 1146 is applied from an input to the processor 1150. The voltage1146 is connected with the zero-crossing circuit 1134 and the processor1150 via a pull-up resistor 1142. The voltage 1146 is the same as thevoltage 1116. The resistor 1142 has a resistance value of about 1K Ohms.Alternatively, other resistance values may be used. Different pulsewidths of the square wave or digital pulse signal correspond todifferent bits. The processor determines allocated slots or areas in theencoded square wave or pulse signal via the zero or mean crossings. Thedetermination of allocated slots or areas allows the processor to insertor include data or control bits in the encoded square wave or digitalpulse signal.

The processor 1150 is similar to the processor 1013. The processor 1150is powered by the voltage 1152 and a supply capacitor 1154. The voltage1152 is the same as the voltage 1116. The capacitor 1154 has acapacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values maybe used. The processor 1150 is operable to connect with a connector1162. The connector 1162 is used to debug or program the processor 1150.For example, the connector 1162 is powered by a voltage 1164, which isthe same as or different than the voltage 1116, and includes six pins.Fewer or more pins may be provided.

A switch 1180 may also couple with the processor 1150. The switch 1180is used to manually turn on or off or control the control device 1001.For example, the switch 1180 is a single or multi-pole switch or otherswitch supported by a housing of the control device 1001. A switchposition of the switch 1180 may command the processor 1150 to operatethe components of the control device. Alternatively, the switch 1180 isused to select a remote device or a group of remote devices the controldevice 1001 is to be associated with.

A sensor 1170, a sensor 1172, a push button or dimmer switch 1174,and/or an on/off switch 1176 may be in communication with the processor1150. All or some of these receiving or input devices are included inone control device. The processor 1150 outputs one or more signals toinclude or inject data or one or more control bits in the square wave orpulse signal based on input received from a receiving device, aspreviously mentioned.

The processor 1150 is operable to send one or more control signals via apin or port 1168 to include the control data. Other pins or ports may beused. The control circuit 916 is similar to the control circuit 821. Forexample, the processor 1150 transmits or sends one or more outputsignals to an injection circuit. The injection circuit includes a linearregulator 1160, a transistor 1184, a transistor 1186, and other passivecomponents.

The linear regulator 1160 may convert a voltage 1156, which may be thesame as the voltage 1110, into a lower DC voltage, such as 1.5 VDC. Thelinear regulator 1160 is biased by capacitors 1158 and 1196. Thecapacitors 1158 and 1196 have a capacitance of about 47 μF.Alternatively, other capacitance values may be used. The output of thelinear regulator 1160 is connected with the transistor 1184 via aresistor 1188. The output of the linear regulator 1160 is also connectedwith the transistor 1186. The transistors 1184 and 1186 are connectedvia a resistor 1190, and the pin or port 1168 of the processor 1150connects with the transistor 1184 via a resistor 1182. An output oremitter of the transistor 1186 is connected with a resistor 1192 and aresistor 1194 acting as a voltage divider. The output of the voltagedivider connects with the voltage supply line 108. The resistors 1188,1182, 1192, and 1194 have a resistance value of about 10K Ohms each, andthe resistor 1190 has a resistance of about 100 Ohms. Other resistancevalues may be used. The transistors 1184 and 1186 are a MOSFET, JFET,PNP, NPN, or other transistor.

The processor 1150 outputs a signal, such as a pulse width modulatedsignal, to switch the transistors 1184 and 1186 to generate a pulse,burst, or control bit from the output voltage of the linear regulator1160. The generated control bit or pulse is inserted or included in thesquare wave or pulse signal.

FIG. 12 shows a signal 1201 with an included data or information from acontrol device, such as the control device 1001. The signal 1201 issimilar to the signal 601 that is provided on the power supply line 108via the power supply 104. For example, pulse widths 1205, 1209, and 1213are similar to the pulse widths 609, 613, and 617, respectively. Pulsewidths 621, 625, and 629 are similar to the pulse widths 1271, 1221, and1225. A pulse, burst, or signal component 1231 is injected or includedin the signal 1201. For example, the pulse 1231 is included in or on astep platform 1235, which is similar to the platform 605. The pulse 1231is designed to have a voltage low enough, such as a positive or negative1.5 volts, so that faulty zero or mean crossings may not be detected bythe zero-crossing detection circuit 1134.

A control bit corresponds to the platform 1235. For example, the pulse1231 in the platform 1235 may correspond to a control bit of one, and anabsence of a pulse may correspond to a control bit of zero. The platform1235 is about 250 μs. A sequence of bits are read or processed by thepower supply 104 to modify or alter the square wave or pulse signal,such as changing pulse widths, to control one or more remote devices.

FIG. 13 shows a control data sequence. The control data sequenceincludes a plurality of packets 1300. For example, one packet 1300includes 19 bits. The packets 1300 are about ⅓ of a second in duration.For example, one packet 1300 includes data bits 1304. Fewer, more, ordifferent bits may be used. Packets 1300 are sent continuously,repeating about every ⅓ of a second.

18 data bits 1304 are used to send control information to the powersupply 104. One of the data bits 1304, N, is not used. A bit positioncorresponds to a certain control device. Each bit position may bepre-assigned. For example:

Bits 0-2 Group 0, dimmer, data Bit 3 Group 0, dimmer, present Bit 4Group 0, on-off switch 0, data Bit 5 Group 0, on-off switch 0, presentBit 6 Group 0, on-off switch 1, data Bit 7 Group 0, on-off switch 1,present Bit 8 Group 0, motion sensor, data Bit 9 Group 0, motion sensor,present Bit 10 Group 1, on-off switch 0, data Bit 11 Group 1, on-offswitch 0, present Bit 12 Group 1, on-off switch 1, data Bit 13 Group 1,on-off switch 1, present Bit 14 Group 1, motion sensor, data Bit 15Group 1, motion sensor, present Bit 16 Group 0 and 1, photo control,data Bit 17 Group 0 and 1, photo control, present Bit 18 not used(co-incident with transmit start bit)In some embodiments, bit 18 is not used so as to enable a remote deviceto communicate information to the power supply 104 during the timeperiod associated with bit 18.

Groups 0 and 1 may correspond to two sets or groups of remote devices.Certain bit positions are allocated for a present bit. The present bitallows the power supply to be cognizant of what devices are connectedwith the power supply line.

For example, a 3 bit dimming code is outputted from a user control knobor switch. The 3 bit dimmer data is assigned to group 0 only, and group1 does not support dimming. Dimming may be limited to 4 pre-assignedlevels 0-3, and other levels, such as levels 4-7, are reserved for otherfunctional implementations. Both lighting groups may support independenton/off switch functions. Up to two on/off switches may be used pergroup. A single on/off switch may implement a simple on/off lightingfunction. When two on/off switches are present, a “3-way” on/off switchfunction may be implemented automatically. Individual motion sensors maybe supported for both groups 0 and 1. A motion sensor may be implementedwith a PIR (passive Infrared) sensor. When implemented, the motionsensor may allow the system to come to full brightness when motion inthe appropriate area is detected. A common photo control input may beused for both lighting groups to implement such functions as on at dusk,off at dawn, on then delay to off, full on, and full off.

Each control device may transmit a device present bit when attached tothe lighting line. This bit may be transmitted continuously. The presentbits allow the power supply to determine proper control algorithms. Forexample, if a dimmer control device and a motion sensor control deviceare present in a lighting system, the dimmer control device may set thedim lighting level and the motion sensor control device, when activated,may bring remote light devices to full brightness for a pre-definedtime. If a dimmer control device and a photo control device are presenton the line, the dimmer control device may set maximum light level andthe photo control device may turn on the lights from full off at dusk.

The electrical circuits described above may include parts or componentsmanufactured by Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Motorola, Inc., NationalSemiconductor Corp., Infineon Tech., and/or other manufactures. Forexample, the processors described above may include a MC9S08 seriesmicro-processor from Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.

FIG. 14 illustrates a power control method. Fewer or more acts or blocksmay be provided. A voltage system, such as the voltage system 100, maybe operated, as in block 1401. For example, a homeowner may turn on apower supply, such as the power supply 104, to operate an outdoorlighting system as well as other remote devices coupled with a powersupply line, such as the power supply line 108. Alternatively, the powersupply may turn on based on a timer control or a photo control.

In block 1405, an alternating current voltage is received. For example,the power supply is plugged into a 110 VAC outlet or connected withpower source configured to generate about 110 VAC. Circuitry of thepower supply receives the 110 VAC. A square wave signal or pulse signal,such as the signals 500 or 601, is generated from the 110 VAC, as inblock 1409. For example, the circuitry of FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 3 may beused to generate the square wave signal or pulse signal. The powersupply converts the 110 VAC to a DC voltage, and a processor in thepower supply generates the square wave signal or pulse signal bycontrolling a switching circuit. The switching circuit, for example,includes one or more half-bridge circuits.

In block 1413, the square wave signal or pulse signal is transmitted toa remote device. For example, the square wave signal or pulse signal istransmitted over the power supply line to power remote devices and/orother devices, such as control devices, coupled with the power supplyline. The square wave signal or pulse signal not only powers the remotedevices but it also provides communication to control one or more remotedevices, as in block 1417. The square wave signal or pulse signal isencoded with bit sequences, as described in regards to FIGS. 5, 6, and7, that can be read or processed by a remote device.

In addition to the square wave signals above, other signals may beutilized to communicate information and deliver power so as to enablepowering and communicating with a remote device. For example, any ACpower signal that has an average DC value of zero volts may be utilized,such as a sinusoidal signal. One way in which data may be encoded on thesinusoidal signal is via a frequency-shift-keying approach, where thefrequency of the signal is shifted over cycles of a sinusoidal wavedepending on whether a 1 or 0 is being sent. For example, 60 Hz may beutilized to communicate a 1 and 70 HZ may be utilized to communicate a0. The power may also be derived from the sinusoidal signal. The datamay be encoded other way as well, such as via Manchester encoding.

For example, the remote devices may be outdoor lights, and by setting apulse width of the square wave signal or pulse signal may correspond toa certain bit. The outdoor light reads a bit sequence generated bydifferent pulse widths and responds to the bit sequence, such as byturning off or on, dimming, or increasing a brightness level. Therefore,one or more remote devices may be controlled while still powering otherdevices. For example, a group of lights may be turned off during theday, and power to another remote device, such as a radio, may still besupplied to operate the other remote device. The power supply may stayon for any desired time period.

In block 1421, control data, such as the pulse 1231, is received or notreceived by the power supply. For example, if control data is notreceived by the power supply, the power supply will continuouslytransmit the square wave signal or pulse signal in a present state. Ifcontrol data is received by the power supply, the power supply modifiesthe square wave signal or generates a different square wave signal, asin block 1425. For example, a control bit may be included in the squarewave signal or pulse signal, as discussed in regards to FIGS. 12 and 13.A control bit sequence is read or processed by the power supply. Basedon the control bit or bit sequence, the power supply modifies orgenerates a square wave signal or pulse signal with one or moredifferent pulse widths (in each packet) to control one or more remotedevices. For example, if a user activates a control device, such as thecontrol device 124, 128, 132, or 1001, to turn off some outdoor lights,the power supply will modify or output a square wave signal or pulsesignal that includes a bit sequence to command the lights to turn off.

FIG. 15 illustrates another power control method. Fewer or more acts orblocks may be provided. A power signal, such as the signal 500 or 601,is received by a remote device, such as the remote devices 112 or 116,as in block 1500. The remote device is coupled with a power supply line,such as the power supply line 108, and receives the power signal overthe power supply line. The power signal is a square wave signal or pulsesignal that is encoded with bit sequences, as described in regards toFIGS. 5, 6, and 7. In block 1504, an output of the remote device isoperated as a function of the encoded data. The remote device processesor reads the data or bit sequence and correlates the data with a desiredaction. For example, the remote device may be an outdoor light. Thelight determines whether to turn on or off or decrease or increase abrightness level based on the data in the power signal.

FIG. 16 illustrates a power control method. Fewer or more acts or blocksmay be provided. An input is received by a control device, such as thecontrol device 124, 128, 132, or 1001, as in block 1601. The controldevice is coupled with a power supply line, such as the power supplyline 108. Alternatively, the control device communicates with the powersupply line and/or a power supply, such as the power supply 104,wirelessly. For example, motion or light is sensed by the control deviceor a user activates an on/off or dimmer switch of the remote device. Inblock 1605, based on such input, the control device generates a pulsethat is injected or included, as described in regards to FIGS. 10, 11,and 12, in a power supply signal, such as the signal 500, 601, or 1201.The included pulse corresponds to a control bit, and a control bitsequence is read or processed by the power supply. The power supplyalters or generates a power signal, such as a square wave signal orpulse signal, to control remote devices, as previously mentioned.

Other features described above may be used for additional or othermethods of use. Also, the features, components, and/or structuresdescribed above may be organized or identified in one or more methods ofmanufacture.

The logic, software or instructions for implementing the processes,methods and/or techniques discussed above may be provided oncomputer-readable a non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM or Flashmemory. The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures ordescribed herein are executed in response to one or more sets of logicor instructions stored in or on computer readable storage media. Thefunctions, acts or tasks are independent of the particular type ofinstructions set, storage media, processor or processing strategy andmay be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firmware,micro code and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise,processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking,parallel processing and the like.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded asillustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that thefollowing claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define thescope of this design.

1. A power source comprising: a converter operable to convert a linevoltage to a DC voltage; a switching circuit powered by the DC voltage;and a processor operable to communicate a data encoded signal to theswitching circuit, wherein the switching circuit modulates the DCvoltage with the data encoded signal to produce an output voltage forpowering a remote device and controlling operations of the remotedevice.
 2. The power source of claim 1, wherein the converter, theswitching circuit, and the processor are part of a power supply for alow voltage outdoor lighting system.
 3. The power source according toclaim 1, wherein the output voltage corresponds to an AC voltage with apositive cycle, negative cycle, and an intermediate platform.
 4. Thepower source according to claim 3, wherein the switching circuitmodulates the DC voltage by varying a width of at least one of: thepositive cycle and the negative cycle.
 5. The power source according toclaim 3, wherein the AC voltage comprises a square wave pulse.
 6. Thepower source according to claim 5, wherein a slope of a rising edge ofthe square wave pulse and a slope of a falling edge of the square waveare controlled so as to minimize spurious emissions.
 7. The power sourceaccording to claim 6, wherein information is communicated to the powersource from the remote device by inserting a pulse during a timeassociated with the intermediate platform.
 8. The power source accordingto claim 1, wherein the switching circuitry corresponds to a half-bridgecircuit.
 9. The power source of claim 1, wherein the remote devicecorresponds to a light device that is part of a low voltage lightingsystem.
 10. The power source according to claim 1, wherein the linevoltage is approximately 110 V_(RMS).
 11. The power source according toclaim 10, wherein a lowest frequency of the line voltage isapproximately 60 Hz.
 12. The power source according to claim 10, whereina lowest frequency of the line voltage is approximately 50 Hz.
 13. Thepower source according to claim 1, wherein the line voltage isapproximately 220 V_(RMS).
 14. The power source according to claim 13,wherein a lowest frequency of the line voltage is approximately 50 Hz.15. The power source according to claim 13, wherein a lowest frequencyof the line voltage is approximately 60 Hz.
 16. The power sourceaccording to claim 1, wherein a peak amplitude of the output voltage isapproximately equal to the DC voltage.
 17. The power source according toclaim 1, wherein the DC voltage is approximately 12V.
 18. The powersource according to claim 1, wherein an output voltage frequency of theconverter is uncorrelated to a line voltage frequency.
 19. The powersource according to claim 1, wherein an output voltage frequency of theconverter is correlated to a line voltage frequency.
 20. The powersource according to claim 1, wherein the operations correspond to atleast one of: turning on the remote device, turning off the remotedevice, and dimming the remote device.